Five Common Bathroom Renovation Misconceptions and Mistakes

When it comes to home renovations, you don’t need to do it all yourself. That’s what we’re here for. We’re also here to advise you on how to avoid common renovation faux pas. Here are five of the most common bathroom renovation mistakes, so you can avoid them on your next project. 

1. Not spending enough time planning 

Have you heard the saying “measure twice, cut once”? It’s an old builders' adage that applies to renovations in general. It means, the more time you spend planning, the fewer mistakes you’ll make. At Refresh, the early stages of our 5-step process are dedicated to planning. That includes an in-depth consultation, detailed concept designs, working drawings, cost estimates, and scheduling. 

We’d love to help plan your bathroom renovation, but even if you aren’t working with Refresh, we want to make sure you spend the appropriate time considering all your options and getting things in order before you sign any contracts or pay any invoices. Even if it’s just a small bathroom renovation, don’t skimp on the planning! You’ll thank yourself later. 

2. Diving in without setting a budget

Renovating without a budget will leave you a) disappointed b) financially drained c) stressed or d) all of the above. We’ve seen it happen over and over. Homeowners without an understanding of what things cost severely underestimate what they’re going to spend, especially considering the fluctuating bathroom renovation costs over the past few years. 

We recommend getting at least three quotes to ensure you’re not only getting the best value, but the best team for your bathroom renovation. This allows you to explore different avenues and get the low-down on how different teams approach the bathroom renovation process. 

3. Trying to cut costs

This is what happens when you don’t have a budget. You end up cutting corners later on to save money. We’re not saying you have to over-invest to get the results you want. But it’s hard to make smart decisions when the pressure is on, and you’re under-prepared - hence why numbers one and two on this list are so important!

4. Thinking it’s cheaper to DIY

This is a big one, and it often ends up costing you more in the long run. Even if you manage to pull off what you think is a great result, it could all be for naught if you don’t follow the appropriate protocol and consent procedures: best case, it’s not correctly permitted, leading to hefty fines; worst case, it’s unsafe and creates a hazardous living environment.

And yes, there are cowboy builders out there that you have to watch out for, but builders that are qualified have undergone extensive training and have years of experience. Unless you’re a qualified builder yourself, you simply can’t get that with DIY. Working with professionals means you won’t be staying up late searching things like “do I need consent to renovate the bathroom?” or “how to increase shower pressure”. So save yourself the time, money, and stress of DIY and enlist help from a bathroom professional. 

5. Focusing on aesthetics and neglecting functionality 

We’ve covered the mistakes pertaining to budget and planning, so now it’s time to talk about what happens when you don’t get the design right. We see it happen all the time. People get too wrapped up in what their bathroom will look like instead of thinking about how it will function in day-to-day life. 

With so many fantastic platforms out there to find bathroom renovation ideas, it’s easy to get caught up in luxury bathroom designs, bathroom decor ideas, and even small details like modern bathroom exhaust fans. But what’s equally vital is how practical your bathroom is. If you’re renovating a guest bathroom for your elderly parents to use, it may be a stunning piece but does an elegant soaker tub really make sense? 

Working with a professional will help you achieve a beautiful bathroom that also focuses on important functional aspects you may not think of like bathroom waterproofing requirements, wall hung vanity height, adequate storage, and bathroom layout. 

Want to know the best way to avoid making mistakes in your own bathroom renovation?

Enlist the help from the professional team at Refresh! Our team is looking forward to helping you bring your dream bathroom to life. To get started, get in touch with a local Christchurch Renovation Consultant and arrange your free consultation.